Re: Chris Long

Originally Posted by NJ Ramsfan1

It's obvious you guys just want to bust my balls.

I believe you asked a question and gave an opinion. I also believe that numerous posters answered your question and gave their own opinions. Just because your opinions contrast does not mean that anyone was trying to "bust your balls". to be perfectly honest, I'd like to keep a safe distance from your balls at all times, and I'm hoping that this is the last we hear of them.

Originally Posted by NJRamsfan1

He's had zero tackles the last two weeks. My mistake- I don't have a right to be critical of him. Carriker has done a great job, also (NOT). We should have drafted two offensive linemen the last two seasons, then maybe our offense would be worth a sh##.

Your 'right' to be critical of Long, or whomever you like, is inalienable. And you've proven that with the big sarcastic capital letters.

I'd like to think that statistics do not tell the entire story, especially when evaluating rookies, and even more especially () when it comes to evaluating defensive linemen. I believe that the problem does not rest wholly with our front 4, who, IMO, have been a bright spot on the defense this year, but that the problem rests with the Linebacking corps and the Strong Safety.

Traditionally, it is the role of the lineman to tie up blockers to free the Linebackers to make the tackles. It appears this season that our linebackers have forgotten how to tackle entirely, taking poor routes to the ballrunner which results in frequent missed tackles and subsequent big gains. The safety position has evolved rather dramatically in the last ten years or so. No longer do teams start one archetypal 'coverage' safety and one 'run-stopping' safety, but safeties nowadays are required to do both. This is in response to the expansion of the role of Tight End in recent years, whereby Tight Ends in the current climate are utilised both as a threat in the passing game and as a blocker. The problem is that Corey Chavous does not appear to be able to do either thing well, meaning he is hopeless against the run and not much better against the pass.

If this defense is to get better, the DL will have to continue to progress, undoubtedly, but the Linebacking Corps and the Safeties also have to shoulder a large part of the blame. If those areas are improved, then it is my opinion that the entire defense will become more cohesive... and we can stop nitpicking flaws in our first round picks.

Re: Chris Long

If the Rams draft 3 more Longs maybe they'll have a decent defensive line in a few years. Right now the line is a mess with the only positive for the future being that Long could pan out into a week in week out force. Little is done in my opinion and the rest, including Carricker, aren't showing much.

look at these guys now later in their future. You cannot base rookie DE stats and determine their play making abilities. Some players have great rookie seasons like Jarred Allen though.

Great points guys, bottom line is DE's struggle in year one usually but Long has done a great job this year. Now his tackling could improve, and it will he'll have a great sophmore season, he has greatness all over him.